• General Parent Portal and Canvas Questions and Answers

     

     What is the parent portal, and how can parents access it?

    Students and parents can access students’ grades, schedules and other information through the parent portal, an online student information system at knoxschools.org.  The portal is available beginning August 8 for students using their usernames and passwords, and until parent accounts are set up, parents can access their students’ information using their students’ usernames and passwords.  For assistance with student usernames, parents can contact their students’ schools.  For assistance with students’ passwords, parents can call the schools or contact Knox County Schools’ Helpdesk at 865-594-1830 or helpdesk@knoxschools.org.   The Helpdesk is open Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-6 p.m., and on August 9-10, parents can e-mail the Helpdesk at helpdesk@knoxschools.org.

     

    What is the procedure for students who are new to the Knox County Schools?

    Students who are new to the Knox County Schools will have a portal account the day after they are entered into Aspen/SIS.  When that information is available, office staff can provide it to the parent.

     
    What is Canvas?
    Canvas is a Learning Management System.  Parents should think of it as a "virtual backpack" in which students can access and complete assignments online.  
     
    What is the difference between Canvas and Parent Portal?
    Parent Portal is a student information system that provides parents and students with information about student's performance in classes.  Canvas is a Learning Management System that allows students to participate in class  through assignments, discussions, and other opportunities.  Students can earn grades for what occurs in Canvas, but Canvas is not a complete picture of the student's progress in class--Parent Portal provides this information.

     

    Where can parents find assistance?

    Schools can help with students’ usernames and passwords.  Additionally, the Knox County Schools’ Helpdesk can help with resetting passwords for both Canvas and Parent Portal.  Parents can contact the Helpdesk at 865-594-1830 or helpdesk@knoxschools.org.  Additionally, parents can visit knoxschools.org for a link to more information about the parent portal, including instructions on how to use it.